Singapore University of Social Sciences

Minuchin Family Therapy

Minuchin Family Therapy (COU566)

Synopsis

The module is designed for gaining a deeper theoretical knowledge of the Four-step Model developed by Salvador Minuchin and colleagues, and its application in family therapy. Using video segments of family interviews, the course will cover the theoretical bases, conceptual frameworks, and skills in marriage and family therapy. A unique feature of the module lies in its heavy emphasis on clinical data in raising students’ awareness of theoretical application to clinical practice. The module also focuses on the therapist’s style, and utilising the family therapist’s pouch in the family session.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January

Topics

  • Assessing Families: From Symptoms To Systems
  • Basic principles in Structural Family Therapy
  • Step One: Surfacing the Presenting Problem
  • Step Two: Highlighting Problem-maintaining Interactions
  • Step Three: A Structurally-focused Exploration of the Past
  • Step Four: An Exploration of Alternative Ways
  • Working with Children
  • Working with Adolescents
  • Working with Couples
  • Working with Larger Systems
  • Conducting the First Family Interview
  • Structural Family Therapy Techniques

Learning Outcome

  • Examine the philosophical and theoretical concepts underpinning structural family therapy.
  • Appraise the structural family therapy map for assessing families.
  • Organise the Four-step Model and the craft of family therapy in clinical practice.
  • Assess the problem-maintaining patterns from a structural family therapy perspective.
  • Design structurally focused exploration of the past.
  • Compose structural interventions in changing family interactions and patterns.
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